10th Street Mural

Erik Burke reveals the process behind his latest work of art, a 1,500 foot mural that promotes healthy living.

On Thursday, May 3rd 2018, a mural collaboration between the Washoe County Health District, the Reno Housing Authority, and artist Erik Burke was unveiled. This project was completed in about two months with the help of both Glenn Duncan STEM Academy and Traner Middle School students to display healthier living.

Erik Burke visited the elementary school children of Glenn Duncan and asked them to pose in their favorite activity. He then traced their silhouettes while they discussed some of their favorite foods and snacks. These outlines of happy children filled with healthy food are being used to promote better eating habits.

Erik also stopped by our own office to gather silhouettes of a few of our team members. These helped aide him on the second part of the mural that encourages long-term health. As of 2015, we have implemented a smoke-free policy to all of our public housing units. This initiative has extended the lifespan of our units, but more importantly, the health of each resident. Erik portrayed this message by painting the silhouettes holding up a public housing unit.

To read the full story online click here or click here to access a PDF version. Click here to view news coverage about the mural unveiling.